Review: Cybertruck is a Miracle and Its Flaws Are What Makes it Cool

[stumby]

Article:
https://www.theautopian.com/the-tes...ises-to-be-cool-but-it-actually-pulls-it-off/

Video:

Sponsored

 

[HaulingAss]

Article:
https://www.theautopian.com/the-tes...ises-to-be-cool-but-it-actually-pulls-it-off/

Video:

It's a dumb, poorly disguised "hit piece" peppered with ads.

Don't waste your time. Zero real insight.

 

[Speedr]

It came off as two car salesmen who tried a new car they just got with ZERO education or information. The fact that they didn't even know you use your phone as the key to the car was the first giveaway.

 

[TooManyxjs]

That's because neither of you READ THE ARTICLE.

Sure, the video was short, but the article is gold, and came from me, an engineer/journalist with real insight!

Read it!

 

[RickJ19Zeta8]

That's because neither of you READ THE ARTICLE.

Sure, the video was short, but the article is gold, and came from me, an engineer/journalist with real insight!

Read it!

As a development engineer in the same field, I agree with your premise. There are compromises every day during a project, but if done right, the end product is still the perfect thing for the target audience.

There were so many intrusive ads on that website though, that it was near frustratingly impossible to get to the end of the article. And most people will stop at the first section where you point out panel gaps. The ads popped up full screen and then would reset my browser to the top of the article.

As an engineer / journalist, IMHO, you should have taken the opportunity to bring new information to the discussion that has been re-hashed so many times for the Cybertruck. Panel gaps, what is the industry statistical tolerance and where does the Cybertruck fall within those.

Bed rail height access. Yes, at the front of the bed of the Cybertruck it’s high with the sail pillar. But I can walk through the parking lot of F150, Chevy, Ram STOCK TRUCK suspension height and there is zero chance I’m able to reach into 90% of those truck beds. What is the average bed rail height and arm access distance for most trucks. I think we will see that Cybertruck is not much different at all.

Bring something new, better data, engineering focused to your article and I’ll read it even through the terrible ads.

 

[TooManyxjs]

As a development engineer in the same field, I agree with your premise. There are compromises every day during a project, but if done right, the end product is still the perfect thing for the target audience.

There were so many intrusive ads on that website though, that it was near frustratingly impossible to get to the end of the article. And most people will stop at the first section where you point out panel gaps. The ads popped up full screen and then would reset my browser to the top of the article.

As an engineer / journalist, IMHO, you should have taken the opportunity to bring new information to the discussion that has been re-hashed so many times for the Cybertruck. Panel gaps, what is the industry statistical tolerance and where does the Cybertruck fall within those.

Bed rail height access. Yes, at the front of the bed of the Cybertruck it’s high with the sail pillar. But I can walk through the parking lot of F150, Chevy, Ram STOCK TRUCK suspension height and there is zero chance I’m able to reach into 90% of those truck beds. What is the average bed rail height and arm access distance for most trucks. I think we will see that Cybertruck is not much different at all.

Bring something new, better data, engineering focused to your article and I’ll read it even through the terrible ads.

Oh, don't worry about that. I've already addressed the truck's bed. It's linked in the review, but here it is again.

Sorry about the ads.

Yeah, I typically go deeply technical (read my review of the Lightning or Taycan or the VW MEB platform or my "how electric cars work" explainer, which I co-wrote with legendary engineer David Twohig and which is the best EV explainer on the internet), but the Cybertruck has been covered to death. At this point, readers just want to know what I think of it.

 

[RickJ19Zeta8]

Oh, don't worry about that. I've already addressed the truck's bed. It's linked in the review, but here it is again.

Sorry about the ads.

Yeah, I typically go deeply technical (read my review of the Lightning or Taycan or the VW MEB platform or my "how electric cars work" explainer, which I co-wrote with legendary engineer David Twohig and which is the best EV explainer on the internet), but the Cybertruck has been covered to death. At this point, readers just want to know what I think of it.

Seaweed and Sardines…… nope. Fresh spinach I can get behind.

I’m assuming Tesla is still /was still refining their panel edge deburr operations in the early trucks. Agreed that’s not acceptable, and it’s something I’ve planned to check and debur myself with a ceramic stone if needed. I hope it’s resolved by then though.

 

[Speedr]

That's because neither of you READ THE ARTICLE.

Sure, the video was short, but the article is gold, and came from me, an engineer/journalist with real insight!

Read it!

I DID read the article, but after I watched the video, so I was a little biased. But let me delve into you're main points in the article:

Compromise 1: Build Quality
I always chuckle at these that people, especially in the car business, can with a straight face, point out panel gaps and issues with Tesla's while being COMPLETELY blind to all other car's panel gaps! It was especially rich coming from the other presenter who sell FORDS! Having owned a 2023 Ford Bronco Wildtrak, and having a close friend own a 2022 Ford F-150 Tremor, I can tell you from personal experience, THEY DO TOO! First ding in credibility.

Compromise 2: It’s Big And Hard To Maneuver
Again, compared to what? A Mini Cooper? It's a full size truck! Compared to other trucks (and especially coming from people who actually DRIVE full size trucks), almost everyone says the maneuverability is great! Also, it's telling that you crashed into another car. I mean, really?

Compromise 3: It Has The Worst User Interface Of Any Vehicle I’ve Ever Driven
It's the interface of the best selling car in the world. As far as entry, I love how you compare it to a rare, high dollar Lotus Eletre SUV instead of...wait for it...a full size truck. Yes, it's different.

Compromise 4: Visibility Isn’t Good
This one I'll give ya. But I've had a lot of vehicles that weren't great. The camera's help a ton though (Honda has a similar system for when you turn on your right turn signal, which helps a ton in their cars too).

Compromise 5: Smears Will Show Up Everywhere
Again, a comparison would be great. Like, it smears, so it's harder to be a beauty queen, but almost impossible to dent or scratch, vs. all the other trucks where driving through brush can scratch and damage the paint.

Compromise 6: That Windshield Is Hard To Clean
Doesn't garner a response.

Compromise 7: Reaching Over The Bedsides Can Be Tricky
True, but thought you should have mentioned the variable height of the overall truck, since compared to most trucks that aren't "base" trucks, they sit about as high as "entry" mode in the Cybertruck.

Compromise 8: You Can Cut Yourself
Don't know what to say? Be careful out there lol.

Compromise 9: It’s Expensive And Heavy And Its Range Is Only So-So
Again, ZERO comparison. ALL full size trucks are expensive. Range wise, it stacks up about the same or slightly better than all other Full size EV Trucks except the Chevy Silverado with the big battery, which, BTW, is also really expensive, especially for the Chevy.


At the very end, the last 1/3 of the article was actually pretty good. I had a lifted Jeep JK, which was a VERY compromised vehicle (hell, the doors have a sticker that says they are there just to keep the weather out!), and we loved it, as a ton of other people do. So yes, the compromises do give it character.

BUT, when you do bold sub-heads of just negative points and a list of 9 compromises, well, you understand why most people would come out with the impression of that the video did such a good job of conveying...

 

[TooManyxjs]

I DID read the article, but after I watched the video, so I was a little biased. But let me delve into you're main points in the article:

Compromise 1: Build Quality
I always chuckle at these that people, especially in the car business, can with a straight face, point out panel gaps and issues with Tesla's while being COMPLETELY blind to all other car's panel gaps! It was especially rich coming from the other presenter who sell FORDS! Having owned a 2023 Ford Bronco Wildtrak, and having a close friend own a 2022 Ford F-150 Tremor, I can tell you from personal experience, THEY DO TOO! First ding in credibility.

Compromise 2: It’s Big And Hard To Maneuver
Again, compared to what? A Mini Cooper? It's a full size truck! Compared to other trucks (and especially coming from people who actually DRIVE full size trucks), almost everyone says the maneuverability is great! Also, it's telling that you crashed into another car. I mean, really?

Compromise 3: It Has The Worst User Interface Of Any Vehicle I’ve Ever Driven
It's the interface of the best selling car in the world. As far as entry, I love how you compare it to a rare, high dollar Lotus Eletre SUV instead of...wait for it...a full size truck. Yes, it's different.

Compromise 4: Visibility Isn’t Good
This one I'll give ya. But I've had a lot of vehicles that weren't great. The camera's help a ton though (Honda has a similar system for when you turn on your right turn signal, which helps a ton in their cars too).

Compromise 5: Smears Will Show Up Everywhere
Again, a comparison would be great. Like, it smears, so it's harder to be a beauty queen, but almost impossible to dent or scratch, vs. all the other trucks where driving through brush can scratch and damage the paint.

Compromise 6: That Windshield Is Hard To Clean
Doesn't garner a response.

Compromise 7: Reaching Over The Bedsides Can Be Tricky
True, but thought you should have mentioned the variable height of the overall truck, since compared to most trucks that aren't "base" trucks, they sit about as high as "entry" mode in the Cybertruck.

Compromise 8: You Can Cut Yourself
Don't know what to say? Be careful out there lol.

Compromise 9: It’s Expensive And Heavy And Its Range Is Only So-So
Again, ZERO comparison. ALL full size trucks are expensive. Range wise, it stacks up about the same or slightly better than all other Full size EV Trucks except the Chevy Silverado with the big battery, which, BTW, is also really expensive, especially for the Chevy.


At the very end, the last 1/3 of the article was actually pretty good. I had a lifted Jeep JK, which was a VERY compromised vehicle (hell, the doors have a sticker that says they are there just to keep the weather out!), and we loved it, as a ton of other people do. So yes, the compromises do give it character.

BUT, when you do bold sub-heads of just negative points and a list of 9 compromises, well, you understand why most people would come out with the impression of that the video did such a good job of conveying...

Yeah, I get it. People who love Cybertrucks will see the compromises and think of it as a "hit piece" and people who hate the Cybertruck will see my conclusion that it's "cool" and lose their minds.

I can't win. All I can do is be honest, and use my experience as a journalist and engineer to tell it like it is.

 

[Speedr]

Yeah, I get it. People who love Cybertrucks will see the compromises and think of it as a "hit piece" and people who hate the Cybertruck will see my conclusion that it's "cool" and lose their minds.

I can't win. All I can do is be honest, and use my experience as a journalist and engineer to tell it like it is.

Sure, if that's how you want to rationalize it...

I'm just suggesting to you that if you want to be more objective, compare it to the alternatives. Otherwise, all of your reviews will sound overly negative.

Good luck!

 

[tmeyer3]

Sorry, I gave up after reading 2 ads thinking they were part of the article. The ad selling is certainly well engineered....

 

[TooManyxjs]

Sure, if that's how you want to rationalize it...

I'm just suggesting to you that if you want to be more objective, compare it to the alternatives. Otherwise, all of your reviews will sound overly negative.

Good luck!

Sure, if that's how you want to rationalize it...

I'm just suggesting to you that if you want to be more objective, compare it to the alternatives. Otherwise, all of your reviews will sound overly negative.

Good luck!

Enjoy your Cybertruck!

 

[TooManyxjs]

Sorry, I gave up after reading 2 ads thinking they were part of the article. The ad selling is certainly well engineered....

Sorry about that; but you really should read it, per these commenters:

 

[CyberTW]

That's because neither of you READ THE ARTICLE.

Sure, the video was short, but the article is gold, and came from me, an engineer/journalist with real insight!

Read it!

Always appreciate the write up and some industry/engineer knowledge, but the whole premise is weird…
“Everything about this sucks except the ride, sound system and storage.” The failed on everything other than those, but they “pulled it off”.

I’m not insecure where a negative article upsets me in the least bit. This felt like very negative article that did a sprinkle of “atta boys” in it to make it sound like a positive spin.. seemed strangely inauthentic.

I would rather you just titled it, “this vehicle is not good and only has a few redeeming qualities”… that sounds more authentic to the tone of the write up.
Just my opinion. I appreciate you being here and willing to dialogue!! It’s nice to be able to have opinions on the truck and your article in a civil manner

 

[Greyfish]

I blew by this thread until today. Per the author's advice I read the article. Being a Tesla 'fan', I thought that on whole it was well done and agree with 'most' of the points made. I do think some prejudices shown through with comments like the shifter and having to take your eyes off the road to shift. Really? Your foot is on the brake and you're not moving when you shift. But this is being picky as well. I believe the ultimate goal of Tesla is autonomy and everything being built today by Tesla supports that (no stalks, no manual switches and controls), etc. Soon everything will be voice controlled anyway (just a software update to make it happen). If you take that into consideration, the 'flaws' seen today are actually the (eventual) future of all vehicles.

Sponsored